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Peak Season Picks

Submitted by site.admin on Thu, 03/29/2018 - 07:50

Peak Season PicksPumpkins!

Are pumpkins a fruit or vegetable?If you think of pumpkins as your favorite fall vegetable, you would be surprised to find that pumpkins are, in fact, a fruit! Related to watermelon, pumpkins are a fruit, just like an apple, orange or pear.

When are pumpkins in season?Halloween pumpkins are harvested September through October. Choose pumpkins that are firm, smooth and brightly colored. You can store whole pumpkins in a cool dry place for up to three months. There are more than 45 varieties of pumpkins, and come in colors like red, yellow, green and white.

What health benefits do pumpkins have?Pumpkins may seem spooky in their Jack-o-lantern state, but they're actually quite nutritious. They are loaded with fiber, potassium and vitamin C, all of which support heart health. One cup of pumpkin contains 7 grams of fiber. Pumpkin seeds are high in nutrients, minerals and both have omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.

Fun Pumpkin Facts:The word pumpkin showed up for the first time in the fairy tale Cinderella. Every part of the pumpkin is edible - skin, leaves, flowers, pulp, seeds and even the stem.
The world's heaviest pumpkin tipped tipped the scales at over 2600 pounds.
Pumpkins are grown on every continent except Antarctica.
Not a fan of pumpkin pie? Try using the pulp to make pumpkin bread or pumpkin pancakes. Or make a savory pumpkin soup.

Pair it with these!

Chateau Souverain ChardonnayThe luscious texture and balanced acidity of this Chardonnay are perfectly suited for a handful of Roasted Pumpkin Seeds with it's enticing aromas of roasted pears and just a hint of baking spice.

Preheat oven to 300ºF. Toss seeds in melted butter. Toss in spices. Lay out seasoned pumpkin seeds in a single layer on a greased baking sheet. Bake for 45-60 minutes, or until golden-brown and crispy. Serve warm or at room temperature.